In hearing _Semiramide_ here, I first learned to appreciate the degree of talent with which it was cast in New York.

Grisi indeed is a far better Semiramis than Borghese, but the best parts of the opera lost all their charm from the inferiority of Brambilla, who took Pico's place.

Mario has a charming voice, grace and tenderness; he fills very well the part of the young, chivalric lover, but he has no range of power.

Coletti is a very good singer; he has not from Nature a fine voice or personal beauty; but he has talent, good taste, and often surpasses the expectation he has inspired.

Gardini, the new singer, I have only heard once, and that was in a lovesick-shepherd part; he showed delicacy, tenderness, and tact.